He was born in Morgantown, West Virginia and then moved to Baltimore, Maryland.

He enlisted in the Merchant Marines at 16 years of age and then the Marine Corp so he could serve his country during World War II.

In 1959, he moved to Clearwater, Florida from Baltimore where he retired from St. Petersburg College in 1990.

John was an avid sports fan and loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. Very good with his hands, he could build or repair just about anything.

John is survived by his three children, Jim (Debbie) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Jeff (Lisa) of Clearwater, Florida and Jo Anne of St. Petersburg, Florida; his former wife, (Doris Jean); and four grandchildren, David, Christina, Julia and Jenna.

A private service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pinellas County Police Athletic League, Pinellas PAL, 3755 46th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33714.